Married Yet Still Single? The Curious Case of Kim Jun-ho and Lee Sang-min on Korean Variety Shows

Kim Se-ah's Insight
Reporter Kim Se-ah from TenAsia delves deeply into entertainment issues.

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Despite being married, they continue to appear on shows with a single concept. This is the story of entertainers Kim Jun-ho and Lee Sang-min.

Comedian Kim Jun-ho tied the knot with Kim Ji-min, whom he had been publicly dating, on the 13th, officially becoming a married couple. Lee Sang-min also recently registered his marriage with a woman 10 years his junior and revealed their newlywed home on SBS's 'My Little Old Boy' (hereafter 'My Little Old Boy').

Both have transitioned from being single to married, yet they continue to appear on 'My Little Old Boy' and 'Dolsing Fourmen,' shows primarily featuring single male panelists. Given that both programs originally focused on the lives of divorced men living alone, their continued presence is puzzling to viewers.

Both Kim Jun-ho and Lee Sang-min have been central figures on 'My Little Old Boy' and 'Dolsing Fourmen' for a long time, leading to heightened interest in their future roles post-marriage. 'Dolsing Fourmen,' in particular, sparked curiosity about potential changes or exits due to its focus on single men.

However, there have been no significant changes to the programs post-marriage. The production teams have remained silent on whether the two will leave or if the shows will undergo any format changes. While the production teams may find it challenging to make quick decisions, viewers are understandably confused.

In contrast, MBC's 'I Live Alone,' a similar show, naturally sees cast members exit when they marry or start cohabiting, aligning with the show's concept. This makes the criteria for 'My Little Old Boy' and 'Dolsing Fourmen' appear ambiguous.

Both Kim Jun-ho and Lee Sang-min have been with the shows since their inception, making sudden exits challenging for the production teams. However, prioritizing individual popularity over the show's original intent could erode viewer trust.

Currently, other key members of 'Dolsing Fourmen,' such as Tak Jae-hoon and Lim Won-hee, remain unmarried. While married individuals only appear as guests, having married members as regular panelists feels like an exception to viewers.

Forcing them to leave isn't the solution. However, a reevaluation of the format is necessary. The production teams need to address how to handle cast members who reach significant life milestones like marriage and whether the current concept remains relevant. It's time to decide on a direction, whether through a revamp or a new concept.

Kim Se-ah, TenAsia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr